You gotta rap to understand how hard what black thought did is. U gotta memorize where to breath, how fast to breathe, how to flow (ie speed up or slow down and space your words out), all the words, control the saliva in your mouth, stay in beat, give inflection to your voice properly, it's crazy.
he is the greatest of all time. this is a PhD dissertation. It takes 30 listens to really understand all of his metaphors and analogies and cadence. He is the best ever. THE ROOTS
“Brain matter contain to much data/ I tell a story like fingerprints and blood splatter” Black Thought used to practice rapping laying down with a weight on his chest for breath control. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 reaction!!!!
The first line and the last line you quoted are amazing. "I'm sorry for your loss, there is somebody in the car, it's probably one of yours." Brilliant!
BTW, we (hip hop community) are all in consensus that Funk Flex is SUPER annoying during these "freestyles"... He's not a DJ anymore, he's a personality
This guy Black Thought is one of the greatest MCs to do it, he doesn't get the credit he deserves for his lyrical content. Black thought started off this with a scheme but you can clearly hear him half way through or near the end he's really searching for words and bar's in his head he nearly loses his way a few times but he's one of the best ever. This is a historical freestyle.
Bro… There’s nothing in this that wasn’t already prepared… And I don’t say that to lessen how great it was; this is solidly the greatest verse written ever in any era by any emcee. If you think he was searching for words and bars that weren’t already prepared you haven’t fully grasped what he was saying; the content was way too loaded with meaning for it to be spontaneous.
He doesn’t lose his way, that’s the signs of a great freestyler when you can keep coming up with new thoughts instantly and keep flowing with perfect timing
Here we GO!!! This still leaves me in awe! People that want to discredit ANY part of this don't have any idea what this man has gone thru and what he has accomplished!
@@ABoomerReacts There's a lot of ppl that argue the "Freestyle" and not give it its just due. Also, both his parents were murdered when he was a kid. I really see him as an inspiration. "I am a walking affirmation that imagination focus and patience gets you closer to your aspiration".. To overcome so much, he could've easily been eaten up the the streets and ended up another black dude from the hood in jail or dead. But he's Grammy award winner Black Thought! Rags to riches.
@@57kwest I certainly didn't mean to disrespect his craft at all. My point is that I'd like to know what kind of freestyle I'll be reacting to before the video starts. That's all.
@@ABoomerReacts I wasn't talking about you at all. You being speechless at the end is literally what we all felt the 1st time watching. There's young dudes online that want to say that this wasn't impressive because guys like Harry Mack are doing there thing or they just don't have the mental capacity to understand his level of intelligence. Alot young reactors say " I can't bop to this in the club so it's trash" or it's cool but have you heard the new tekashi... You gave it its just due.
@@57kwest that's true! Beats have replaced lyricism; in the current scene. There have been fire verses over okay beats; that became classics. If you love the bars, the beats will be easier to digest (the more you listen, anyhow). Some people treat music like pills. They don't take what's going to help, but only what makes them feel good.
Got the D.O.C line! Very proud of you everyone gets blown away by the pre Kardashian Kanye line but the significance of the D.O.C bar is just as heavy.
To spit all that, not pause, not stutter once, and have all that breath control is amazing! Common might have the second best “freestyle” on LA Leakers!
yeah i was going to say that. common killed this one. You'll notice as well how common uses his hands as he's rapping to stay in rhythm. i do that to, helps externalise our rhymes , like if you were extracted them from your brain and playing with them with your finger tips. i just thought of it recently , i don't really see me rapping or freestylng wthout moving my arms and hands in cadence.
The definition of what "freestyle" means in rap is a loonnnng running debate among hip-hop heads. Even in the 90s, this was a debated issue. Even in the 80s. Big Daddy Kane insists that in his day (80s), "freestyle" just meant any random verse or collection of bars that isn't part of a song, that you just pull out of your hat in impromptu situations. Most 90s-oriented heads insist its an off-the-dome thing...but even in the 90s, there were so many verses on mixtapes etc called "freestyles" that were really just orphan verses. 🤷♂️ I agree there should be different names for different things lol
In the 80s, in which I was in high school freestyle was off the dome. I first started noticing the change on mixtapes in the 90s. The DJ would put on the cover" freestyle" by a artist that wasn't a freestyle at all. In fact the first MCs were hype men for the DJ, who was the star of the show. A MC was getting the party hyped on the spot off the dome. Freestyling and writing are two different talents and when it came to making records the writer was the choice for obvious reasons. KRS ONE is still off the dome to this day and one of the few writers that can freestyle. Big Daddy Kane was one of the new school rappers that evolved Hip Hop along with guys like Rakim and Kool G Rap in the late 80s early 90s. So you are on point with the Big Daddy Kane reference but there is a decade of hip hop before BDK
@@boshidobrown fwiw, there was also about a decade of hip-hop prior to the 80s ...but Kane linked up with Biz around 84. Pretty sure KRS was off the radar/homeless teen at that time. BDP debuts in 87. Kane debuts as a solo artist in 88 i think, but had already been writing for Biz etc. As with most things that happen organically, I'm pretty confident there were just different circles of ppl who had different ideas of what a freestyle was.
Black Thought is beyond brilliant. There aren't too many people who can do this for 10 minutes straight. Hell, if you give most rappers 1 year to prepare, they still couldn't write like this. Freestyle simply means not scripted. You are pulling from everywhere. Don't get too caught up with the "of the dome" concept. Thanks for not pausing every other bar to state the obvious and or to say something stupid. You just got another subscriber.
Thanks for the sub, Fred! I used to stop the song in my first couple of videos and then I noticed how much it irritated me when I watched other reactors do it, so I stopped.
First off, respect to YOU sir, for being a “boomer” who is interested in reacting to hip hop. That’s super cool! So, the ol’ freestyle debate. I’m a traditionalist in that a true freestyle is off the top of the head. Point, blank, period. However the terminology has shifted since back in the day, so now a freestyle is “allowed” to be a pre-meditated collection of pre-written material. You must remember, RAP (the music) evolves, because HIP HOP (the culture) will always evolve. As far as Funk Flex, he’s always been annoying. And yes, most of the dudes he “invites” to the studio are allowed to do multiple takes and with all the post-editing done, they end up posting the best take. True Emcee’s like Black Thought, kill it in one take. Which shows and proves his elite- level status as a lyricist.
Thank you for that explanation! It answers so many of the questions I posed in the video. When I ask those questions, sometimes I think they don't really make sense; but to hear you and others talk about this long-standing debate about freestyle, I feel vindicated. And my questions about Flex and showing the best take out of multiple attempts? I wasn't sure if anyone would have an answer to that. And for the record, I don't think it's fair to show an excellent freestyle without knowing that it took 50 takes. And I'm all for the evolution of freestyle but when the definition changed from meaning strictly off the dome to allowing pre-written material, it's not the definition that should have changed, it's the name that should have changed. Leave "freestyle" as off the dome; create a new word for off the dome with pre-written material. (I bet you didn't think you'd ever hear a boomer so worked up about freestyling). lol
To piece all of that together and take the story full circle....As surprised as I wanted to be the first time I ever heard it, I couldn't be because it was Black Thought. He loves and respects his craft. His level is high yet he can make it all seem so simple.....with little effort.....
Rome wasn't built in a day🤔 Black thought burnt it down in a minute and built it back the next day🤯 I haven't seen no one comment on that bar. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This guy is a top-tier lyricist and MC. Who’s been doing it for close to 30 years if not longer! And the definition of freestyles has changed over the years and also, how people perceive what is considered a freestyle, if you think about any type of expressive art or improvisational performances of course, some of it is already going to be memorized and stored in your head and you is going to piece it together to be able to offer it to your audience.
Thanks, CJ! I don't like reacting to freestyles. I like listening to them but they're difficult to react to, mostly because I want to know what I'm about to hear: off the dome? partially scripted? totally scripted?
Well Brian, now you know why I hold The Roots in such high regards. Black Thought is only one element of the group. The thought of a hip-hop group with great mcees and to see a group play their own music/beats on live instruments was just so innovated and ahead of their time. The group is the DJ! I've seen their live shows about 5-7times and it was always such a great show to see and witness live!
@@ABoomerReacts Thats a really tough one for me..there are so many. I'd have to really go through their entire catalog to find that one! Plus what I may deem number #1 of theirs may not be what the masses like.. or want you to react to.
This was a "scripted" freestyle. They pre-write weeks or even months in advance when you are the caliber of Black Thought. When you are at his level, it would be embarrassing to put out something with little effort. It could ruin your reputation. Hints why this is beyond special. He prepared and showed what his mind and pen is capable of and put an exclamation point on why he his so revered as a lyricist. Just amazing!
It's mixed with scripted parts, pre-written verses committed to memory (he's written so many rhymes) and imrpov points that helped bridge gaps in the written content. Just cause he makes it seem effortlessly doesn't mean it's all written.
I know you're reading but at one point, even Flex is in awe of what's happening. I read that the reason he can go so long without stopping is because he is using circular breathing. He learned from Oprah and Broadway actors that if you put a weight on your chest while breathing, you can extend your breathe to speak longer. I'm sure I f'd that up but you get the idea
🤣🤣🤣 "Only machines can do that". So funny but true. Black Thought is so incredible. Super glad you did this. If ever you want list of great freestyles of this format, just ask and I will provide.
As a person who grew up in hip hop culture and was there from the beginning I appreciate that you're digesting this piece of art. Black Thought is a supreme artist of the highest caliber. I'm sure you've already had your questions you posed in your video about the freestyle and how it proceeds when artist go to Hot 97 to perform their freestyles. I especially appreciate your introspection on what you experienced and the impression it left you with. Keep doing what you're doing. Experience and variety is the true spice of life. Salute to you, sir.
Thanks, Paul! I appreciate it. I still have an issue with the name "freestyle" because there are different types of freestyle but they all have the same name. Before I hear a freestyle I want to know if the artist is saying that their freestyle is off the dome, partly memorized with some off the dome, or totally memorized. I can't give an honest reaction unless I know beforehand what I'm supposed to be amazed by.
@@ABoomerReacts Hey Boomer! Check out this video. They discuss what comprises a "freestyle". I think you may find it insightful, but the quote that you read from Black Thought before you began watching the video defined prettu well the definition of freestyle. Here's a link to the video in which I am referring to. I hope this helps you in your introspection into HIp Hop and Rap culture through its music. ruclips.net/video/Z6iPgVONWj8/видео.html
Having a pre-written verse isn't considered a freestyle. But what Black Thought has done here is amazing and an example of freestyling in its purest form. Anyone that freestyles has a few(or many) punchlines or bars. Anyone that says otherwise is lying. You have to have an excellent memory and be flexible enough to improvise off the cuff as well. It is what you say but it's mostly HOW you say it that shows your skill. Your weaponry is a tree with multiple branches. How will you connect those branches? When do you leave one rhyme scheme and jump onto another branch? What would you do if you had a premeditated set of bars but your brain creates a new branch of bars? Do you cowardly stick with what you know or are you brave enough to take a leap of faith and create new branches on the spot? Can you weave multiple sets of bars together in a cohesive manner and alter those bars to paint a picture? You have split second decisions to make so you gotta be like water and just flow subconsciously. When you look at BMX or skating freestyle runs, the same thing applies. Every move that they perform are already practiced, rehearsed and learned. It's the choice of moves and the succession of moves that are used that determine your score. What trick will you use to follow up on this trick? What variations of a trick can you use? What approach will you use to start and finish your run? Freestyling is simply a combination of premeditated rhymes and improvising on the spot. Freestyl8ng can make you a better writer as well because freestylers tend to stumble upon new rhyme schemes, bars and metaphors all the time.
Thanks for that explanation and analogy, Sol Glow! That really makes sense. This is what confuses me: there are freestyles that are 100% off the dome that are exciting and amazing to watch. Then there are freestyles like what you describe and what Black Thought does here. They are two different things with different skill sets but they are called the same thing. That was my complaint in the reaction.
I'm an old school emcee myself and am with you 100% on this, Brian! I am so annoyed how the term "Freestyle" is so diffused that it defines nothing. In its truest sense, it should be improvisational. Memorized lyrics are not true freestyle. That said, this was an amazing performance.
Absolutely an amazing performance. But to have a description before the word "freestyle" would let us know what we're going to be witnessing. What Harry Mack does and what Bugzy Malone did on Fire in the Booth are 2 completely different things but have the same name.
@@ABoomerReacts there are 2 types of freestyles. The original meaning was a rhyme/song (written or unwritten) that is ‘free of style’ meaning there is no structure and is not about a particular subject matter. But sometime around the late 80’s or early 90’s the term ‘freestyle’ changed and became more known as rhymes that are ‘off the dome’. I’ll send a link to an article that explains it better
I agree. I believe a true “freestyle” has one definition. That’s why when one is actually high level it is properly appreciated, and more of a spectacle.
It would make me happy if people made the distinction between "freestyle" and "off the dome". I think they need to be judged differently; but it's all called "freestyle".
The answer just blew your mind 🔥🔥 This man, who everybody asked for, gave you the definition on paper and in practice. So let's agree to believe Black Thought oké?
@@ABoomerReacts ruclips.net/video/vsLw6yIFLLs/видео.html ( a battle rap where one pulls up is phone 🤦🏿) and podcasters Rory&Mal giving you some context start at 4:13 minutes in ruclips.net/video/vDyhfuDqWPg/видео.html
@@brokoen7288 Thanks for sending that to me, Bro Koen! It was really helpful. I agree that whipping out your phone during a battle is cause for disqualification. Aren't there rules in rap battles? Since I have zero experiences with rap battles, here's my boomer opinion: the battles should be timed rounds - I say 1 minute to spit your rap. It takes talent to go over 1 minute but it also takes talent to pace your rap to end at the allotted time. And over 50% of your rap has to be a direct response to what your opponent just rapped. The judges grade you on content that makes sense, rhymes, punchlines, stumbles, pauses, etc. And they decide the winner. Has any of those things been a part of battle rap?
Great video again. Thank you so much from Albany New York! I agree, had to edit my comment. Yes, a true “freestyle” is off the top 100% improvised. Some “freestyles” are considered that if it doesn’t have a “hook” or a punchline.
Thank you, Justin. I can admire all types of freestyles. I just want them all to have different names so I know what to expect before the rapper starts.
Yes, I've been meaning to do another Roots song. I've only reacted to You Got Me. Seed 2.0 and Act Too seem to be the most popular requests on my list. What do think, Omar?
"Freestyle" really means free of song structure. "Off the top" means improvised. There was a moment in time where people called improvised raps "freestyles" and that has still stuck around to a certain extent, which is where all the confusion comes from.
Yes, I grew up thinking "freestyle" was off the top. But when I reacted to some freestyle on here, it was obviously pre-written. The two types need different names. Who do I need to talk to about that? 😜
Flex's freestyle portion is pre recorded. This was actually a reveal as far exposing other guests on his show that do multiple takes. There aren't too many live freestyles on other shows out there possibly because of the language.
The thing is, the pure freestyle, completely off the top, just youtube black Thought Quest Love freestyle, when he was just a kid, he been had that covered. No sweat.
2 things: 1) Black thought in his younger years had mastered "off the dome" freestyle and evolved from that. There's even a video of him on RUclips freestyling while his partner Questlove pointed out random things for Thought to incorporate while in the middle of his flow. 2) Freestyle dance in hip hop isn't really "free of style" but rather an improvisation of creating combos out of already known steps. I'm sure there's a parallel there to freestyle rap. Cheers!
I like how you wrote "off the dome" freestyle because it lets me know what you're talking about. When people just say "freestyle", I'm never sure if they mean off the dome, totally written, or a hybrid of both. Freestyle dance sounds like I'd have to concentrate while dancing. Concentrating is the last thing I want to do when dancing.
Freestyle is one of two things 1) Rhymes off the top of your head 2) Rhymes you never heard before (that are not a recorded song by the artist) or BOTH
I think Black Thoughts definition is the best I've heard. I'd think of Freestyle like Rap, there are so many different sub-genres under that umbrella. And you can tell which is which once you're used to them. There are a few different King Los freestyles on LA Leakers on that is like Black Thoughts but he also has some that are "off the dome" he has people throw out words. That may be the best way to see the difference from someone at a high level of his craft doing both main styles of "freestyle". Royce da 5'9"s LA Leakers freestyle is also a top tier radio freestyle.
Thanks, Blake. I'm sure experienced listeners can discern which type of freestyle it is after the freestyle has started. But for us newbies, I want to know what kind of freestyle it is BEFORE it starts. But that would happen if I ruled the world (imagine that).
@@ABoomerReacts I get that totally. Here are 2 links to King Los one "off the dome" ruclips.net/video/7kq0pYvome0/видео.html and one "radio freestyle" ruclips.net/video/cG0V_FFRkDk/видео.html Both amazing and will show the difference. Off the dome has much less substance, it's more about just keeping the plates spinning and rhyme scheme going. Whereas the radio freestyle is crafted to be layered and purposeful in its message. Basically it's like stand-up vs improv, they are both forms of comedy and they can meld into each other. Hope that can help.
@@Ni_N9ne Thanks for sharing that ,Blake! Your analogy is great; and I could see the difference between the two. King Los is awesome in both of those clips. I can't tell which one is more impressive but to be able to keep rhymes going like he did in the off the dome clip - that's like super human. 99.9% of the inhabitants of Earth cannot do that.
I've learned over the last 25 years or so to adapt to the terms. I remember when rhyming unwritten or written material amongst peers was just rapping. Ok so then to make a distinction, you'd mention things to prove you were going "off the top", like "he's wearing a red hat"....Then the term "freestyle" (which wasn't a mainstream term ), still usually meant off the top but it was generally known that if you were battling someone, you'd be prepared with pre written material. Before Eminem was known, he'd go to radio shows and spit pre written raps over whatever beat they'd put on and murder the mic. We knew they were pre written but who cared. Of course he could go off the top but on a radio show, for a mass audience, it would be wiser to spit your fine tuned material although off the top was more fun. The debate was non existent until people that didn't and don't indulge in the art became critics.
Common Sense also has a dope freestyle you should check out, doin it in a way some of these youngin's can't seem to or don't care to master. A freestyle was originally of the dome, unscripted, unwritten but there are many ways to pull it off like busy b vs. Kool moe dee back in the day busy b was a crowd rocker and kool moe dee was a mic rocker, both good, the confusion comes because some guys are clearly really good. Krs one, supernatural, Common, mos def, Craig G just to name a few who can legitimately go off the top
Ok, so you had these hip hop radio shows like sway and tech or stretch and bobbito and as the many mc's, and I use the term mc lightly for some, would frequent the shows, the radio host would ask the mc to kick a freestyle or if he OR she couldn't freestyle, cause it's not everybody's thing or ability, or at least be encouraged to gimme your best rhyme and I think that's where the lines got blurred because the host of some of these shows, and I'm not placing blame, but they stopped differentiating who was freestyling and who wasn't
@@ABoomerReacts He doesn't. He treats it like a movie or tv show. He just splices the good parts together. You may be able to tell when watching with the different angles or camera shots. I've seen some guys just stop and take a drink of water and then resume when they're ready.
Freestyle didn't originally start from coming off the dome. It meant the rhymes you were saying was free from a topic. Cuz early raps were usually a story or pertaining to a topic. Then it evolved to coming off the dome. So by the original term if you are freely rapping without a topic then you are freestyling. My source for the original meaning of freestyling is Big Daddy Kane
I agree with you. A fully rehearsed freestyle is not a freestyle - it's just a performance. But those who do this and call it a freestyle are hoping you don't notice. I think of freestyle like a jazz improvisation. A musician spends years practising scales, learning other people's songs, writing their own parts, etc. So when it comes time to improvise they draw on all those years, all those licks, and much of what they play is made of smaller parts they've played before, but in a new order, a different speed, a new feel or a different rhythm. Good improvisation is muscle memory, but in order to keep the flow going you may need to occasionally lean on something rehearsed before you can go free again. In this freestyle you can occasionally see BT point to his head and look up or take a breath. In those moments I imagine he's either finding a new rhyme to finish the scheme or going through his extensive mental rolodex of pre-written bars or known rhymes to snatch something he knows will fit. This one is something special. He really set the bar high with this.
Most freestyles (and a lot of interviews) you hear on the radio are pre-recorded. Stations get fined for things like cursing so to avoid issues the common practice is to pre-record and screen them. As a result, some come unprepared a need multiple takes to get the freestyle completed (we see and hear the edited versions). The idea of what a freestyle is, has changed with people like Biggie and Jay Z who create their music by memorizing lyrics in their head. Years of unspoken rhymes stored in your brain is going to sound different than something created in the moment. Most experienced rhymers even if freestyling off the dome with reference rhymes, rhyme schemes or rhyme styles that they have thought about or used in the past. The only real rule that people often adhere to is using rhymes from released songs and calling them freestyles (people have however turned their freestyle lyrics into songs). We are all as confused as you! Welcome to the community!
So when Black Thought finished and Flex said "One take! One take!" does that mean Flex says that that for everyone because all we hear is the perfect version?
@@ABoomerReacts No, Flex spoke on this before. What we heard was actually the only take done. Most who do the Flex freestyles have to stop at some point and start again. Flex was letting people know that this was performed near flawless on the first attempt which is why Flex made it a point to let it be known. If you listen to some Jay Z (Roc-A-Fella) freestyles with flex (early 2000's) you can hear the cursing, them apologizing and offering to pay the fines. You do have some places like Sway in the Morning broadcasting on satellite radio which allows cursing. They have live freestyles and you can see people making mistakes and recovering during the freestyle. The fact that he made little to no mistakes is as impressive as the rhymes themselves!
In rap/hip-hop we have a tier list for lyricist. There's olny been 5 all time to make that list where we categorize rappers as aliens as far as the ability to rap and have alien tier cadence with amazing intelligence. This level is far beyond your Drake and Jay Z's of the world. Way far beyond commercial rap or stereotypical rap. That man said He's a griot that makes you wanna peacock your arms😂
Yea there's is many forms of freestyle, as an advid listener of hip-hop I think I'm able to differentiate those who are actually freestyling off the top and those who are maybe doing a combination of both. Sometimes even when the whole thing is completely written they'll call it a freestyle cause it's the first time you've recited it out loud, or rap it in a different cadence you had in mind already cause a lot of the times when you up to a radio station they'll pick a beat for you. So in a sense they are freestyling.
I think that I could pick out a total off the dome freestyle and a totally scripted freestyle. I am totally not experienced enough to differentiate between off the dome and written in the same rap. You could put a gun to my head and I would not be able to tell you what part of Black Thought's freestyle was off the dome. Maybe it's because he is so damn good at it.
What's up Brian? I'm 43 and have loved rap all my life. I really enjoy watching your videos. I totally agree that "freestyle" should only mean rhymes that come straight off the dome. I also don't know what Flex means when he says other rappers do many takes; I don't know what you call that. But I still appreciate this rap by Black Thought as an incredible verse of super dense lyrics and an amazing display of breath control, enunciation, energy, interesting references, etc. You're right though, it should be called something else, not a freestyle.
Thanks, Reynaldo! I agree. I have total respect for what Black Thought did here. It's amazing. And I really have respect for off the dome rhymers like Harry Mack. But they are two different things that are both called "freestyle". They need their own names.
Even Actors has to impervise if they forget their lines. It's still acting. Freestyle is creative thinking mixed with research ed material. Memorize knowledge is not as easy. Even if it is written. You still have to deliver. You're free to put together a style hopefully all your own. Hence freestyle....
What's the difference? Is that how you rate whether or not the person is talented or not? Not completely freestyling is a disservice to rap? Every rapper incorporates written bars and off the top from time to time
@@ABoomerReacts if he's referring to the one where it's Big L & Jay Z, then it's taken from the stretch and bobbito radio show that was instrumental for hiphop. There is a documentary about the radio show that is/was on Netflix, and they were reminiscing about this freestyle.
Easily one of the best freestyles ever. Great choice Sir. I agree with what Black Thought said, a freestyle has def changed over the years. I have a recommendation that you might enjoy. The group is Blackalicious and the song is Alphabet Aerobics..... I think you'll like this song.
This was part of a Funk Flex Freestyle Series that were prerecorded, so artists would use multiple takes to make it look professional. The majority of freestyles, especially in the 90s and 2000s, were one takes recorded live on the radio. The youtube era changed a lot of freestyles to being prerecorded for better videos. Prewritten freestyles have always been prevalent on the radio because artists are trying to market themselves and wow the audience with clever punchlines. Off the dome freestyles were more prevalent in cyphers on the street and early battle rap. They were definitely more common on the radio, at one point, but they were never the rule.
Cool that you're also doing freestyles. Overall, including songs, there's so much to recommend! I see that you reviewed mostly classics - Are you open to current Hip-Hop songs as well? Also, are you open to some underground/indie classics? Keep up the work!
I reacted to Tyler the Creator and to NF. They weren't very popular here. As to underground/indie, check out my "Underground" playlist and see if those are the types of songs you're talking about.
@@ABoomerReacts There was this big underground movement at one point with artists such as Atmosphere, Murs/Living Legends, Sage Francis, MF Doom, Aesop Rock, and Mac Lethal at the helm. I’m not sure how well they would do with your audience but it could be interesting to explore. No Regrets by Aesop Rock is a good storytelling song. In terms of new, good quality mainstream stuff, I nominate Lil Wayne feat. Kendrick Lamar - Mona Lisa (w/ the subtitles on). Good storytelling with a unique style.
@@ReiMarvel Thanks for all the suggestions! I have at least one song on my request list by everyone you mentioned except for Sage Francis. I did an MF DOOM reaction - it was very popular..
I did see it. I don't know if you've been following my discussion on what a "freestyle" really is; but when Jimmy said to Black Thought "That was all freestyle?", I wonder what he meant. Did he think that whole thing was off the dome?
Sir, I'm a younging and a new school rapper and most of my inspiration comes from my digging on hip hop history (the culture). As a rapper, in my opinion Freestyle has two definitions: 1. Off the dome: we talking about what Harry Mack, Them Big L, Proof(may he rest in Power) do, they think of everything they spit at the spot. 2. No structure: Just like this, is when a rapper raps on different issues and doesn't focus on a single structure like most tracks put out. Most at times, they're written and memorized before hand. That's all I can say with my little knowledge
Hi youngin! The thing that surprised me the most when I started this channel is learning youngins who like hip hop don't know these songs. Blew my mind. So it's nice to see you here and to hear that you are digging into hip hop history. I hope you'll stick around. As to freestyle, I totally agree with your definitions. What I really want is something other than just "freestyle" to describe what I'll be hearing. Maybe like Dome Freestyle and .....?
Everyone has there own interpretation. It's basically no rules or format. Being able to rap at the drop of the dime. Weather being written or of the cuff. A combination of both. Usually consisting of Rhymes that are not (but not limited to bring ) in a official song .
I don't like it that everyone has their own interpretation. I want rules. Same with the meaning of a posse cut. I want everyone to agree on one definition. Who do I talk to about this? 😜😜
Freestyle is as Black Thought stated. Thank of it in the same way as a jazz improve. What Tariq is saying is that rappers have a lot of rhymes in their head constantly. Elite rappers can piece these together on the fly, and match the rhythm that is playing spontaneously. The less skillful can only rap at a particular cadence to a particular type of beat. Roots of rap is for rappers to be in a cypher saying their truth to whatever beat or no beat. It is in the moment and what is said should pertain to that moment. A rapper who is rhyming based on props in the room, is just rhyming. That has its place. But when you are getting to the heart of the matter, dropping truth, that’s next level
I can totally accept and admire off the dome rhyming and also the rhyming that is both improvisational, thoughtful and meaningful. I just don't want them to be called the same thing.
This video was fine because it was just Black Thought sitting at a table. A video with action and choreography and extras? I wouldn't be able to do that AND lyrics.
There’s a really good, witty freestyle kind of battle with Slug from Atmosphere, and Eyedea who is no longer with us. They’re buddies but they go at each other it’s pretty humorous. I think you should check that out it’s super entertaining. On the wakeup show. It’s like close to 10:00.
Black thought used circular breath in this expression, other artist's have no idea what that is. Maybe so many takes is so that they can get their breathing right. About freestyle , maybe yes you know all the concepts but will they flow, and can you keep pace. Again circular breath is his key, along with his immense knowledge ,like he said psychologist. For reference check out podcast radiolab, breathe episode, Black thought in in more than one of their episodes. Thanks
Thanks, Luke. Someone sent me a clip of King Los doing a total off the dome freestyle. That guy is a beast. His brain works differently than most humans.
Yeah this performance is utterly jaw dropping. And the fact that theirs so much message within it, Its not simply a performance of wordplay and writting construct, all of that is their as well but its all on the foundation of a message. This is a guy of my generation, saying something to the world. both in the context of whats considered, battle rapping but used as a tool to deliver so many messages about himself his life our lives and our times. And nothing is used for the sake of exploitation. meaning, he;s not cursing and swearing for the sake of filler or shock value. Theres a meaning even in what few swears that he lets off. The skill of the Art form is evident, although its rap, it surely poetry as well. no deny. And again, im more than sure theres a ton of messages hes talked about that flew right over most peoples heads. Imagery that relate to other artists and their life's meaning and comparisons. you could seriously create a college course on this performance. If they did so with Madonna they surely can do so with this song, and in a way they did.. Harvard invited him to an interview about it all. ruclips.net/video/M8DxO-66jrA/видео.html and even this freestyle in this interview is INCREDIBLE...
@@ABoomerReacts He's incredible, But knowing his life story takes it all to another level, how his mother died, truly horrific, and to come from it all to be where he is today is nothing but a blessing. lesser situations have seen to stronger men's downfall. And its to his life's experience why theirs so much underlying his words.
freestyle use to be all off the dome but now its raps that have not been recorded on a record or a combination of both, just what you read. but also it can be lyrics from several different songs put together
@@ABoomerReacts well its pretty much decided now nothing to be done. more traditional off the dome freestyles can be seen on sway in the morning 5 fingers of death
You are 100% correct this is not off the dome at all..... The only thing that makes it freestyle is that he seems to have it memorized like he can just do it right there on the spot in front of whoever..... And I agree that is kind of just like having a concert basically
I think Black Thoughts description of “freestyle” is pretty accurate on what people say is a freestyle. I get your point though: sub-genres or sub-definitions? Here is a video to add to your list: ruclips.net/video/3jIiIa4U0K8/видео.html Tupac and Biggie freestyling together. I dont know if you’ll want to react to it:its only 2mins long. Great video though. Cool to see them just chillin.
Top of the dome and freestly are 2 different things even though people mix them a lot lately. Freestyle originally was rapping without song structure and it could be written but you just get out what you need to say out and top of the dome was improvisation right then and there like Harry Mack as you said but lately is all mixed up. The naming "Top of the done" is no longer used regularly everything is called Freestyle now. Remember that freestyles and interviews on radio are pre recorded lately even if the show is live but the freestyle portion is pre recorded hence guys can have 50 takes to get the perfect one. I think in the older days everything was live.
You gotta rap to understand how hard what black thought did is. U gotta memorize where to breath, how fast to breathe, how to flow (ie speed up or slow down and space your words out), all the words, control the saliva in your mouth, stay in beat, give inflection to your voice properly, it's crazy.
I didn't think of all of that. I was amazed by his memory and focus.
he is the greatest of all time. this is a PhD dissertation. It takes 30 listens to really understand all of his metaphors and analogies and cadence. He is the best ever. THE ROOTS
The focus involved to be able to spit that is unbelievable
Absolutely right!
“Brain matter contain to much data/ I tell a story like fingerprints and blood splatter” Black Thought used to practice rapping laying down with a weight on his chest for breath control. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 reaction!!!!
yoo where did you hear that? never heard that but his breath control go crazy
I've heard he would run while rapping but idk. At this point his skills are legendary.
The first line and the last line you quoted are amazing. "I'm sorry for your loss, there is somebody in the car, it's probably one of yours." Brilliant!
BTW, we (hip hop community) are all in consensus that Funk Flex is SUPER annoying during these "freestyles"... He's not a DJ anymore, he's a personality
I thought he was disrespectful by making noise
Yeah. he either thinks his mid verse commentary adds to it or he is using his annoying voice as a watermark to.I.D. where the freestyle was recorded.
He can be annoying but he's put in a lot of work through the years and is still a platform.
This guy Black Thought is one of the greatest MCs to do it, he doesn't get the credit he deserves for his lyrical content. Black thought started off this with a scheme but you can clearly hear him half way through or near the end he's really searching for words and bar's in his head he nearly loses his way a few times but he's one of the best ever. This is a historical freestyle.
I don't have an experienced ear to be able to tell when he's struggling
Bro… There’s nothing in this that wasn’t already prepared… And I don’t say that to lessen how great it was; this is solidly the greatest verse written ever in any era by any emcee. If you think he was searching for words and bars that weren’t already prepared you haven’t fully grasped what he was saying; the content was way too loaded with meaning for it to be spontaneous.
He doesn’t lose his way, that’s the signs of a great freestyler when you can keep coming up with new thoughts instantly and keep flowing with perfect timing
that whole freestyle wasn’t written, you can tell how he changes patterns and cadences
Facts he even said this wasn't all written in an interview.
Here we GO!!! This still leaves me in awe! People that want to discredit ANY part of this don't have any idea what this man has gone thru and what he has accomplished!
I don't understand what you're saying.
@@ABoomerReacts There's a lot of ppl that argue the "Freestyle" and not give it its just due. Also, both his parents were murdered when he was a kid. I really see him as an inspiration. "I am a walking affirmation that imagination focus and patience gets you closer to your aspiration".. To overcome so much, he could've easily been eaten up the the streets and ended up another black dude from the hood in jail or dead. But he's Grammy award winner Black Thought! Rags to riches.
@@57kwest I certainly didn't mean to disrespect his craft at all. My point is that I'd like to know what kind of freestyle I'll be reacting to before the video starts. That's all.
@@ABoomerReacts I wasn't talking about you at all. You being speechless at the end is literally what we all felt the 1st time watching. There's young dudes online that want to say that this wasn't impressive because guys like Harry Mack are doing there thing or they just don't have the mental capacity to understand his level of intelligence. Alot young reactors say " I can't bop to this in the club so it's trash" or it's cool but have you heard the new tekashi... You gave it its just due.
@@57kwest that's true! Beats have replaced lyricism; in the current scene.
There have been fire verses over okay beats; that became classics. If you love the bars, the beats will be easier to digest (the more you listen, anyhow). Some people treat music like pills. They don't take what's going to help, but only what makes them feel good.
"Same cadence as D.O.C. pre-accident" 😳 such a sick line. Mad respect!
That line stuck out to me, too. But mostly because I was proud of myself for knowing what he was talking about. lol
Got the D.O.C line! Very proud of you everyone gets blown away by the pre Kardashian Kanye line but the significance of the D.O.C bar is just as heavy.
@@henneseslimify heavier!
@@Cryptone28 facts!
To spit all that, not pause, not stutter once, and have all that breath control is amazing! Common might have the second best “freestyle” on LA Leakers!
Not to mention the focus!
yeah i was going to say that. common killed this one. You'll notice as well how common uses his hands as he's rapping to stay in rhythm. i do that to, helps externalise our rhymes , like if you were extracted them from your brain and playing with them with your finger tips. i just thought of it recently , i don't really see me rapping or freestylng wthout moving my arms and hands in cadence.
@@1spTV I see singers keeping rhythm with their hands and feet while they're performing.
The definition of what "freestyle" means in rap is a loonnnng running debate among hip-hop heads. Even in the 90s, this was a debated issue. Even in the 80s. Big Daddy Kane insists that in his day (80s), "freestyle" just meant any random verse or collection of bars that isn't part of a song, that you just pull out of your hat in impromptu situations. Most 90s-oriented heads insist its an off-the-dome thing...but even in the 90s, there were so many verses on mixtapes etc called "freestyles" that were really just orphan verses. 🤷♂️ I agree there should be different names for different things lol
Thank you! I thought most of you would be like "That boomer doesn't know what he's talking about"
@@ABoomerReacts haha not at all. I think its actually impressive you picked up on the discrepancy
@@pickenchews Thanks. But the Fire in the Booth video (that turned out to be so different than what I was expecting) is what started my confusion.
In the 80s, in which I was in high school freestyle was off the dome. I first started noticing the change on mixtapes in the 90s. The DJ would put on the cover" freestyle" by a artist that wasn't a freestyle at all. In fact the first MCs were hype men for the DJ, who was the star of the show. A MC was getting the party hyped on the spot off the dome. Freestyling and writing are two different talents and when it came to making records the writer was the choice for obvious reasons. KRS ONE is still off the dome to this day and one of the few writers that can freestyle. Big Daddy Kane was one of the new school rappers that evolved Hip Hop along with guys like Rakim and Kool G Rap in the late 80s early 90s. So you are on point with the Big Daddy Kane reference but there is a decade of hip hop before BDK
@@boshidobrown fwiw, there was also about a decade of hip-hop prior to the 80s ...but Kane linked up with Biz around 84. Pretty sure KRS was off the radar/homeless teen at that time. BDP debuts in 87. Kane debuts as a solo artist in 88 i think, but had already been writing for Biz etc. As with most things that happen organically, I'm pretty confident there were just different circles of ppl who had different ideas of what a freestyle was.
Black Thought is beyond brilliant. There aren't too many people who can do this for 10 minutes straight. Hell, if you give most rappers 1 year to prepare, they still couldn't write like this.
Freestyle simply means not scripted. You are pulling from everywhere. Don't get too caught up with the "of the dome" concept.
Thanks for not pausing every other bar to state the obvious and or to say something stupid. You just got another subscriber.
Thanks for the sub, Fred! I used to stop the song in my first couple of videos and then I noticed how much it irritated me when I watched other reactors do it, so I stopped.
I really respect all the research and care you go into this with. It makes all the difference and I for one really appreciate it
Thanks for telling me that, Ian! I certainly learn a lot!
First off, respect to YOU sir, for being a “boomer” who is interested in reacting to hip hop. That’s super cool! So, the ol’ freestyle debate. I’m a traditionalist in that a true freestyle is off the top of the head. Point, blank, period. However the terminology has shifted since back in the day, so now a freestyle is “allowed” to be a pre-meditated collection of pre-written material. You must remember, RAP (the music) evolves, because HIP HOP (the culture) will always evolve. As far as Funk Flex, he’s always been annoying. And yes, most of the dudes he “invites” to the studio are allowed to do multiple takes and with all the post-editing done, they end up posting the best take. True Emcee’s like Black Thought, kill it in one take. Which shows and proves his elite- level status as a lyricist.
Thank you for that explanation! It answers so many of the questions I posed in the video. When I ask those questions, sometimes I think they don't really make sense; but to hear you and others talk about this long-standing debate about freestyle, I feel vindicated. And my questions about Flex and showing the best take out of multiple attempts? I wasn't sure if anyone would have an answer to that. And for the record, I don't think it's fair to show an excellent freestyle without knowing that it took 50 takes. And I'm all for the evolution of freestyle but when the definition changed from meaning strictly off the dome to allowing pre-written material, it's not the definition that should have changed, it's the name that should have changed. Leave "freestyle" as off the dome; create a new word for off the dome with pre-written material. (I bet you didn't think you'd ever hear a boomer so worked up about freestyling). lol
@@ABoomerReacts you are freestyling right now , lol !!!
@@1spTV Not any good rhymes, though.
To piece all of that together and take the story full circle....As surprised as I wanted to be the first time I ever heard it, I couldn't be because it was Black Thought. He loves and respects his craft. His level is high yet he can make it all seem so simple.....with little effort.....
Rome wasn't built in a day🤔 Black thought burnt it down in a minute and built it back the next day🤯 I haven't seen no one comment on that bar. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is a top notch performance!🔥🔥🔥
This guy is a top-tier lyricist and MC. Who’s been doing it for close to 30 years if not longer! And the definition of freestyles has changed over the years and also, how people perceive what is considered a freestyle, if you think about any type of expressive art or improvisational performances of course, some of it is already going to be memorized and stored in your head and you is going to piece it together to be able to offer it to your audience.
Thanks, CJ! I don't like reacting to freestyles. I like listening to them but they're difficult to react to, mostly because I want to know what I'm about to hear: off the dome? partially scripted? totally scripted?
Well Brian, now you know why I hold The Roots in such high regards. Black Thought is only one element of the group. The thought of a hip-hop group with great mcees and to see a group play their own music/beats on live instruments was just so innovated and ahead of their time. The group is the DJ! I've seen their live shows about 5-7times and it was always such a great show to see and witness live!
What is your favorite The Roots song?
@@ABoomerReacts Thats a really tough one for me..there are so many. I'd have to really go through their entire catalog to find that one! Plus what I may deem number #1 of theirs may not be what the masses like.. or want you to react to.
@@robertchavez8045 Ah. Maybe pick your favorite popular song from them. 😁😁
Pros
Black thought is truly amazing
This was a "scripted" freestyle. They pre-write weeks or even months in advance when you are the caliber of Black Thought. When you are at his level, it would be embarrassing to put out something with little effort. It could ruin your reputation. Hints why this is beyond special. He prepared and showed what his mind and pen is capable of and put an exclamation point on why he his so revered as a lyricist. Just amazing!
I totally agree
It's mixed with scripted parts, pre-written verses committed to memory (he's written so many rhymes) and imrpov points that helped bridge gaps in the written content. Just cause he makes it seem effortlessly doesn't mean it's all written.
I know you're reading but at one point, even Flex is in awe of what's happening. I read that the reason he can go so long without stopping is because he is using circular breathing. He learned from Oprah and Broadway actors that if you put a weight on your chest while breathing, you can extend your breathe to speak longer. I'm sure I f'd that up but you get the idea
Someone else mentioned it today. But it's the first time I've heard the term.
the breath control is out of control (no pun intended)
🤣🤣🤣 "Only machines can do that". So funny but true. Black Thought is so incredible. Super glad you did this.
If ever you want list of great freestyles of this format, just ask and I will provide.
Thanks, Lee! I might do a freestyle poll. I've got about 5 on my list now. Tell me your favorite one and I'll check my list.
Amazing video choice! It’s insane, I could listen to it again and catch new meanings!
Best freestyle of all time
@@cedrictherene369 Just watched him and Holy shit his amazing
As a person who grew up in hip hop culture and was there from the beginning I appreciate that you're digesting this piece of art. Black Thought is a supreme artist of the highest caliber.
I'm sure you've already had your questions you posed in your video about the freestyle and how it proceeds when artist go to Hot 97 to perform their freestyles. I especially appreciate your introspection on what you experienced and the impression it left you with. Keep doing what you're doing. Experience and variety is the true spice of life. Salute to you, sir.
Thanks, Paul! I appreciate it. I still have an issue with the name "freestyle" because there are different types of freestyle but they all have the same name. Before I hear a freestyle I want to know if the artist is saying that their freestyle is off the dome, partly memorized with some off the dome, or totally memorized. I can't give an honest reaction unless I know beforehand what I'm supposed to be amazed by.
@@ABoomerReacts Hey Boomer! Check out this video. They discuss what comprises a "freestyle". I think you may find it insightful, but the quote that you read from Black Thought before you began watching the video defined prettu well the definition of freestyle. Here's a link to the video in which I am referring to. I hope this helps you in your introspection into HIp Hop and Rap culture through its music. ruclips.net/video/Z6iPgVONWj8/видео.html
You should react to commons recent freestyle on the LA Leakers! It’s really good!
I'll put it on my list. Thanks!
“I’m international, my passport pages like War & Peace”….Just picked that up on my 17th listen 😂
Having a pre-written verse isn't considered a freestyle. But what Black Thought has done here is amazing and an example of freestyling in its purest form. Anyone that freestyles has a few(or many) punchlines or bars. Anyone that says otherwise is lying. You have to have an excellent memory and be flexible enough to improvise off the cuff as well. It is what you say but it's mostly HOW you say it that shows your skill. Your weaponry is a tree with multiple branches. How will you connect those branches? When do you leave one rhyme scheme and jump onto another branch? What would you do if you had a premeditated set of bars but your brain creates a new branch of bars? Do you cowardly stick with what you know or are you brave enough to take a leap of faith and create new branches on the spot? Can you weave multiple sets of bars together in a cohesive manner and alter those bars to paint a picture? You have split second decisions to make so you gotta be like water and just flow subconsciously.
When you look at BMX or skating freestyle runs, the same thing applies. Every move that they perform are already practiced, rehearsed and learned. It's the choice of moves and the succession of moves that are used that determine your score. What trick will you use to follow up on this trick? What variations of a trick can you use? What approach will you use to start and finish your run? Freestyling is simply a combination of premeditated rhymes and improvising on the spot. Freestyl8ng can make you a better writer as well because freestylers tend to stumble upon new rhyme schemes, bars and metaphors all the time.
Thanks for that explanation and analogy, Sol Glow! That really makes sense. This is what confuses me: there are freestyles that are 100% off the dome that are exciting and amazing to watch. Then there are freestyles like what you describe and what Black Thought does here. They are two different things with different skill sets but they are called the same thing. That was my complaint in the reaction.
one of the best freestyles of all time.
I'm an old school emcee myself and am with you 100% on this, Brian! I am so annoyed how the term "Freestyle" is so diffused that it defines nothing. In its truest sense, it should be improvisational. Memorized lyrics are not true freestyle. That said, this was an amazing performance.
Absolutely an amazing performance. But to have a description before the word "freestyle" would let us know what we're going to be witnessing. What Harry Mack does and what Bugzy Malone did on Fire in the Booth are 2 completely different things but have the same name.
But that's not what freestyle means
@@danmontgomery5218 What does it mean to you?
@@danmontgomery5218 What isn't what freestyle means?
@@ABoomerReacts there are 2 types of freestyles. The original meaning was a rhyme/song (written or unwritten) that is ‘free of style’ meaning there is no structure and is not about a particular subject matter.
But sometime around the late 80’s or early 90’s the term ‘freestyle’ changed and became more known as rhymes that are ‘off the dome’.
I’ll send a link to an article that explains it better
thank you for doing this reaction!
Thanks for watching, Richie!
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 this rap is a MASTER CLASS at any UNIVERSTY in America ....
YES!!!
I agree. I believe a true “freestyle” has one definition. That’s why when one is actually high level it is properly appreciated, and more of a spectacle.
Black Thought is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper!!
Keep up the awesome reviews. I'm now a subscriber and a fan.
Thanks for the sub!
You cacthing some of the BARS now , I see you Brian.
The Fat Pharoah line, is relating to Pharoah Monche when he was in Organized Konfusion.
Ah. I have some Pharaoh Monche songs on my request list.
Freestyle and off the dome off the dome is
Unwritten
It would make me happy if people made the distinction between "freestyle" and "off the dome". I think they need to be judged differently; but it's all called "freestyle".
The answer just blew your mind 🔥🔥
This man, who everybody asked for, gave you the definition on paper and in practice.
So let's agree to believe Black Thought oké?
Did I say something that led you to think that I didn't believe Black Thought about something?
@@ABoomerReacts ruclips.net/video/vsLw6yIFLLs/видео.html ( a battle rap where one pulls up is phone 🤦🏿) and podcasters Rory&Mal giving you some context start at 4:13 minutes in ruclips.net/video/vDyhfuDqWPg/видео.html
@@brokoen7288 Thanks for sending that to me, Bro Koen! It was really helpful. I agree that whipping out your phone during a battle is cause for disqualification. Aren't there rules in rap battles? Since I have zero experiences with rap battles, here's my boomer opinion: the battles should be timed rounds - I say 1 minute to spit your rap. It takes talent to go over 1 minute but it also takes talent to pace your rap to end at the allotted time. And over 50% of your rap has to be a direct response to what your opponent just rapped. The judges grade you on content that makes sense, rhymes, punchlines, stumbles, pauses, etc. And they decide the winner. Has any of those things been a part of battle rap?
@@ABoomerReacts💯
Love how you're embracing the culture. React to Mysonne Funk Flex freestyle and Ray Vaughn LA Leakers freestyle
Thank you! Mysonne was on my list already and I added Ray Vaughn
Great video again. Thank you so much from Albany New York! I agree, had to edit my comment. Yes, a true “freestyle” is off the top 100% improvised. Some “freestyles” are considered that if it doesn’t have a “hook” or a punchline.
Thank you, Justin. I can admire all types of freestyles. I just want them all to have different names so I know what to expect before the rapper starts.
Please take a deep dive into the roots. One of the greatest rap groups/band in history and Black Thought is one of the legendary MC's of our time.
Yes, I've been meaning to do another Roots song. I've only reacted to You Got Me. Seed 2.0 and Act Too seem to be the most popular requests on my list. What do think, Omar?
I appreciate your appreciation 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
You're right, Off The Top and Freestyle should be 2 different categories.
Thank you! I thought I was just being a picky boomer.
My friend!!! I missed u pal but im back atleast for the time being lol much luv stay healthy stay blessed and stay out of trouble people .....lol
Hey Chico! I miss you too. I hope everything in your life is going your way.
"Freestyle" really means free of song structure. "Off the top" means improvised. There was a moment in time where people called improvised raps "freestyles" and that has still stuck around to a certain extent, which is where all the confusion comes from.
Yes, I grew up thinking "freestyle" was off the top. But when I reacted to some freestyle on here, it was obviously pre-written. The two types need different names. Who do I need to talk to about that? 😜
Flex's freestyle portion is pre recorded. This was actually a reveal as far exposing other guests on his show that do multiple takes. There aren't too many live freestyles on other shows out there possibly because of the language.
It's a reveal because Flex wouldn't out someone on his show for having multiple takes? Would he ever shout "One take!" if it really wasn't?
The thing is, the pure freestyle, completely off the top, just youtube black
Thought Quest Love freestyle, when he was just a kid, he been had that covered. No sweat.
Thanks! I'll check it out.
"I'm too legit to quit it"
Reference to M.C. Hammer's big hit in 1991
2 things: 1) Black thought in his younger years had mastered "off the dome" freestyle and evolved from that. There's even a video of him on RUclips freestyling while his partner Questlove pointed out random things for Thought to incorporate while in the middle of his flow. 2) Freestyle dance in hip hop isn't really "free of style" but rather an improvisation of creating combos out of already known steps. I'm sure there's a parallel there to freestyle rap. Cheers!
(here it is) ruclips.net/video/so4TuqRSye4/видео.html
I like how you wrote "off the dome" freestyle because it lets me know what you're talking about. When people just say "freestyle", I'm never sure if they mean off the dome, totally written, or a hybrid of both.
Freestyle dance sounds like I'd have to concentrate while dancing. Concentrating is the last thing I want to do when dancing.
Freestyle is one of two things 1) Rhymes off the top of your head
2) Rhymes you never heard before (that are not a recorded song by the artist) or BOTH
Yes, I don't like that it's one of 3 things. I want each one to be its own thing. Is there a manager that I can speak to?
@@ABoomerReacts lol no manager, but there is a Teacha KRS ONE!
Benny the butcher, black though...crowns for kings off - The plugs I met.
Thanks! That song is def on my request list.
I think Black Thoughts definition is the best I've heard. I'd think of Freestyle like Rap, there are so many different sub-genres under that umbrella. And you can tell which is which once you're used to them.
There are a few different King Los freestyles on LA Leakers on that is like Black Thoughts but he also has some that are "off the dome" he has people throw out words. That may be the best way to see the difference from someone at a high level of his craft doing both main styles of "freestyle".
Royce da 5'9"s LA Leakers freestyle is also a top tier radio freestyle.
Thanks, Blake. I'm sure experienced listeners can discern which type of freestyle it is after the freestyle has started. But for us newbies, I want to know what kind of freestyle it is BEFORE it starts. But that would happen if I ruled the world (imagine that).
@@ABoomerReacts I get that totally.
Here are 2 links to King Los one "off the dome" ruclips.net/video/7kq0pYvome0/видео.html
and one "radio freestyle" ruclips.net/video/cG0V_FFRkDk/видео.html
Both amazing and will show the difference. Off the dome has much less substance, it's more about just keeping the plates spinning and rhyme scheme going.
Whereas the radio freestyle is crafted to be layered and purposeful in its message.
Basically it's like stand-up vs improv, they are both forms of comedy and they can meld into each other.
Hope that can help.
@@Ni_N9ne Thanks, Blake! That analogy does help.
@@Ni_N9ne King Los is definitely a beast "OFF THE TOP"... Like Mack, just hood.
@@Ni_N9ne Thanks for sharing that ,Blake! Your analogy is great; and I could see the difference between the two. King Los is awesome in both of those clips. I can't tell which one is more impressive but to be able to keep rhymes going like he did in the off the dome clip - that's like super human. 99.9% of the inhabitants of Earth cannot do that.
I've learned over the last 25 years or so to adapt to the terms. I remember when rhyming unwritten or written material amongst peers was just rapping. Ok so then to make a distinction, you'd mention things to prove you were going "off the top", like "he's wearing a red hat"....Then the term "freestyle" (which wasn't a mainstream term ), still usually meant off the top but it was generally known that if you were battling someone, you'd be prepared with pre written material. Before Eminem was known, he'd go to radio shows and spit pre written raps over whatever beat they'd put on and murder the mic. We knew they were pre written but who cared. Of course he could go off the top but on a radio show, for a mass audience, it would be wiser to spit your fine tuned material although off the top was more fun. The debate was non existent until people that didn't and don't indulge in the art became critics.
What did you think of the Black Thought quote that I read?
Lol if you want to see what happens when someone needs more than one take, but doesn't get it, look up Omelly's freestyle on Sway in the Morning. 😂😂😂
I think I'm going to enjoy looking at that. For educational purposes only. Lol
@@ABoomerReacts Lol I'll be praying for you.
Common Sense also has a dope freestyle you should check out, doin it in a way some of these youngin's can't seem to or don't care to master. A freestyle was originally of the dome, unscripted, unwritten but there are many ways to pull it off like busy b vs. Kool moe dee back in the day busy b was a crowd rocker and kool moe dee was a mic rocker, both good, the confusion comes because some guys are clearly really good. Krs one, supernatural, Common, mos def, Craig G just to name a few who can legitimately go off the top
My confusion is that the word "freestyle" is used for both off the dome and scripted.
Ok, so you had these hip hop radio shows like sway and tech or stretch and bobbito and as the many mc's, and I use the term mc lightly for some, would frequent the shows, the radio host would ask the mc to kick a freestyle or if he OR she couldn't freestyle, cause it's not everybody's thing or ability, or at least be encouraged to gimme your best rhyme and I think that's where the lines got blurred because the host of some of these shows, and I'm not placing blame, but they stopped differentiating who was freestyling and who wasn't
Yes. Other artists come there and they have to do several takes. He edits all of the parts together for the final result.
Thanks, Craig. And does he tell the audience that it took several takes?
@@ABoomerReacts He doesn't. He treats it like a movie or tv show. He just splices the good parts together. You may be able to tell when watching with the different angles or camera shots. I've seen some guys just stop and take a drink of water and then resume when they're ready.
Freestyle didn't originally start from coming off the dome. It meant the rhymes you were saying was free from a topic. Cuz early raps were usually a story or pertaining to a topic. Then it evolved to coming off the dome. So by the original term if you are freely rapping without a topic then you are freestyling.
My source for the original meaning of freestyling is Big Daddy Kane
So you're saying that the rhymes you were saying that were free from a topic were not off the dome?
@@ABoomerReacts they were written rhymes but didn't have to stick to a topic. That's why they called it a freestyle
I agree with you. A fully rehearsed freestyle is not a freestyle - it's just a performance. But those who do this and call it a freestyle are hoping you don't notice.
I think of freestyle like a jazz improvisation. A musician spends years practising scales, learning other people's songs, writing their own parts, etc. So when it comes time to improvise they draw on all those years, all those licks, and much of what they play is made of smaller parts they've played before, but in a new order, a different speed, a new feel or a different rhythm. Good improvisation is muscle memory, but in order to keep the flow going you may need to occasionally lean on something rehearsed before you can go free again.
In this freestyle you can occasionally see BT point to his head and look up or take a breath. In those moments I imagine he's either finding a new rhyme to finish the scheme or going through his extensive mental rolodex of pre-written bars or known rhymes to snatch something he knows will fit. This one is something special. He really set the bar high with this.
The analogy about a jazz musician is great. And that Black Thought did this in one take is mind-boggling.
Most freestyles (and a lot of interviews) you hear on the radio are pre-recorded. Stations get fined for things like cursing so to avoid issues the common practice is to pre-record and screen them. As a result, some come unprepared a need multiple takes to get the freestyle completed (we see and hear the edited versions).
The idea of what a freestyle is, has changed with people like Biggie and Jay Z who create their music by memorizing lyrics in their head. Years of unspoken rhymes stored in your brain is going to sound different than something created in the moment. Most experienced rhymers even if freestyling off the dome with reference rhymes, rhyme schemes or rhyme styles that they have thought about or used in the past. The only real rule that people often adhere to is using rhymes from released songs and calling them freestyles (people have however turned their freestyle lyrics into songs). We are all as confused as you! Welcome to the community!
So when Black Thought finished and Flex said "One take! One take!" does that mean Flex says that that for everyone because all we hear is the perfect version?
@@ABoomerReacts No, Flex spoke on this before. What we heard was actually the only take done. Most who do the Flex freestyles have to stop at some point and start again. Flex was letting people know that this was performed near flawless on the first attempt which is why Flex made it a point to let it be known. If you listen to some Jay Z (Roc-A-Fella) freestyles with flex (early 2000's) you can hear the cursing, them apologizing and offering to pay the fines.
You do have some places like Sway in the Morning broadcasting on satellite radio which allows cursing. They have live freestyles and you can see people making mistakes and recovering during the freestyle.
The fact that he made little to no mistakes is as impressive as the rhymes themselves!
@@mintalent4379 Thank you! That answers many of my questions.
I'm having visions of Nat Turner holding his masters head, like Yorik and Horatio in Hamlet 🔥 🔥 🔥
That should be a painting hanging in a museum. (With plenty of prints to go around). What a powerful message that would be without having any words.
In rap/hip-hop we have a tier list for lyricist. There's olny been 5 all time to make that list where we categorize rappers as aliens as far as the ability to rap and have alien tier cadence with amazing intelligence. This level is far beyond your Drake and Jay Z's of the world. Way far beyond commercial rap or stereotypical rap. That man said He's a griot that makes you wanna peacock your arms😂
You rigth on the money . I feel the same , its corny to me when rappers spit a pre-written and call it a freestyle.
That's what I'm talking about!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Freestyle is/was what you thought it should be...to me everything else is counterfeit
It could have a different name other than "freestyle" and I'd be ok with it.
Yea there's is many forms of freestyle, as an advid listener of hip-hop I think I'm able to differentiate those who are actually freestyling off the top and those who are maybe doing a combination of both. Sometimes even when the whole thing is completely written they'll call it a freestyle cause it's the first time you've recited it out loud, or rap it in a different cadence you had in mind already cause a lot of the times when you up to a radio station they'll pick a beat for you. So in a sense they are freestyling.
I think that I could pick out a total off the dome freestyle and a totally scripted freestyle. I am totally not experienced enough to differentiate between off the dome and written in the same rap. You could put a gun to my head and I would not be able to tell you what part of Black Thought's freestyle was off the dome. Maybe it's because he is so damn good at it.
If you want to see a crazy off the dome freestyle, check out King Los on Sway in the morning 🔥🔥
Someone sent me a link to it. That's what I think of when I hear "freestyle". King Los is superhuman.
What's up Brian? I'm 43 and have loved rap all my life. I really enjoy watching your videos. I totally agree that "freestyle" should only mean rhymes that come straight off the dome. I also don't know what Flex means when he says other rappers do many takes; I don't know what you call that. But I still appreciate this rap by Black Thought as an incredible verse of super dense lyrics and an amazing display of breath control, enunciation, energy, interesting references, etc. You're right though, it should be called something else, not a freestyle.
Thanks, Reynaldo! I agree. I have total respect for what Black Thought did here. It's amazing. And I really have respect for off the dome rhymers like Harry Mack. But they are two different things that are both called "freestyle". They need their own names.
The Roots - "What They Do" (more Black Thought)
Thanks for the suggestion! That song is def on my request list.
Even Actors has to impervise if they forget their lines. It's still acting. Freestyle is creative thinking mixed with research ed material. Memorize knowledge is not as easy. Even if it is written. You still have to deliver. You're free to put together a style hopefully all your own. Hence freestyle....
I agree with all of that. I just want to know what kind of freestyle I'm going to watching beforehand. Off the dome or mostly memorized?
What difference does it make. Don't get caught up in off the dome, written or a combination. The context is what's important
It makes a difference to me.
What's the difference? Is that how you rate whether or not the person is talented or not? Not completely freestyling is a disservice to rap? Every rapper incorporates written bars and off the top from time to time
@@edwardstutts1098 I understand all of that. I would like to know what the freestyle is supposed to be before I hear it. It's just me.
black thought is the greatest rapper of all time. don't let anyone tell you different.
Too late. I've already had people tell me different. lol
@@ABoomerReacts lol he's my personal second favorite
He's your favorite rapper's favorite rapper! 😂.. This dude doesn't get listened to; he gets studied!
Big L '95 Freestyle 👍
That is on my request list. Is that an actual recording off of one of his albums? Because Freestyle '98 is on my list, too.
@@ABoomerReacts if he's referring to the one where it's Big L & Jay Z, then it's taken from the stretch and bobbito radio show that was instrumental for hiphop. There is a documentary about the radio show that is/was on Netflix, and they were reminiscing about this freestyle.
@@MightyScruffy People have been requesting that Big L/Jay Z freestyle
Easily one of the best freestyles ever. Great choice Sir. I agree with what Black Thought said, a freestyle has def changed over the years. I have a recommendation that you might enjoy. The group is Blackalicious and the song is Alphabet Aerobics..... I think you'll like this song.
Thanks for the suggestion! It is on my request list.
This was part of a Funk Flex Freestyle Series that were prerecorded, so artists would use multiple takes to make it look professional. The majority of freestyles, especially in the 90s and 2000s, were one takes recorded live on the radio. The youtube era changed a lot of freestyles to being prerecorded for better videos.
Prewritten freestyles have always been prevalent on the radio because artists are trying to market themselves and wow the audience with clever punchlines. Off the dome freestyles were more prevalent in cyphers on the street and early battle rap. They were definitely more common on the radio, at one point, but they were never the rule.
Thanks for the info! They still need to call off the dome and pre-written different things than just "freestyle". (I'm not going to let it go) lol
Cool that you're also doing freestyles. Overall, including songs, there's so much to recommend! I see that you reviewed mostly classics - Are you open to current Hip-Hop songs as well? Also, are you open to some underground/indie classics? Keep up the work!
I reacted to Tyler the Creator and to NF. They weren't very popular here. As to underground/indie, check out my "Underground" playlist and see if those are the types of songs you're talking about.
@@ABoomerReacts There was this big underground movement at one point with artists such as Atmosphere, Murs/Living Legends, Sage Francis, MF Doom, Aesop Rock, and Mac Lethal at the helm. I’m not sure how well they would do with your audience but it could be interesting to explore. No Regrets by Aesop Rock is a good storytelling song.
In terms of new, good quality mainstream stuff, I nominate Lil Wayne feat. Kendrick Lamar - Mona Lisa (w/ the subtitles on). Good storytelling with a unique style.
@@ReiMarvel Thanks for all the suggestions! I have at least one song on my request list by everyone you mentioned except for Sage Francis. I did an MF DOOM reaction - it was very popular..
Youre next freestyle should definitely be one of the locksmith freestyles. You won’t regret it
Did you see when Jimmy Fallon had him on the show talking about this? The video is on yt.
I did see it. I don't know if you've been following my discussion on what a "freestyle" really is; but when Jimmy said to Black Thought "That was all freestyle?", I wonder what he meant. Did he think that whole thing was off the dome?
Sir, I'm a younging and a new school rapper and most of my inspiration comes from my digging on hip hop history (the culture). As a rapper, in my opinion Freestyle has two definitions:
1. Off the dome: we talking about what Harry Mack, Them Big L, Proof(may he rest in Power) do, they think of everything they spit at the spot.
2. No structure: Just like this, is when a rapper raps on different issues and doesn't focus on a single structure like most tracks put out. Most at times, they're written and memorized before hand.
That's all I can say with my little knowledge
Hi youngin! The thing that surprised me the most when I started this channel is learning youngins who like hip hop don't know these songs. Blew my mind. So it's nice to see you here and to hear that you are digging into hip hop history. I hope you'll stick around. As to freestyle, I totally agree with your definitions. What I really want is something other than just "freestyle" to describe what I'll be hearing. Maybe like Dome Freestyle and .....?
Everyone has there own interpretation. It's basically no rules or format. Being able to rap at the drop of the dime. Weather being written or of the cuff. A combination of both. Usually consisting of Rhymes that are not (but not limited to bring ) in a official song .
I don't like it that everyone has their own interpretation. I want rules. Same with the meaning of a posse cut. I want everyone to agree on one definition. Who do I talk to about this? 😜😜
Freestyle is as Black Thought stated. Thank of it in the same way as a jazz improve. What Tariq is saying is that rappers have a lot of rhymes in their head constantly. Elite rappers can piece these together on the fly, and match the rhythm that is playing spontaneously. The less skillful can only rap at a particular cadence to a particular type of beat. Roots of rap is for rappers to be in a cypher saying their truth to whatever beat or no beat. It is in the moment and what is said should pertain to that moment. A rapper who is rhyming based on props in the room, is just rhyming. That has its place. But when you are getting to the heart of the matter, dropping truth, that’s next level
I can totally accept and admire off the dome rhyming and also the rhyming that is both improvisational, thoughtful and meaningful. I just don't want them to be called the same thing.
you gotta react to Big L - 98 freestyle. Make sure you find the full version, its about 5 minutes long, 2 verses.
It's on a Big L album?
@@ABoomerReacts no, it was a freestyle he did for stretch and bobbito I think, you can find it on youtube
@@adammitrani9484 OK, thanks!
How did you find it to react to this video with no lyrics?
This video was fine because it was just Black Thought sitting at a table. A video with action and choreography and extras? I wouldn't be able to do that AND lyrics.
There’s a really good, witty freestyle kind of battle with Slug from Atmosphere, and Eyedea who is no longer with us. They’re buddies but they go at each other it’s pretty humorous.
I think you should check that out it’s super entertaining. On the wakeup show. It’s like close to 10:00.
Thanks! I will definitely check it out.
He’s super human
And his super power is focus.
Black thought used circular breath in this expression, other artist's have no idea what that is. Maybe so many takes is so that they can get their breathing right. About freestyle , maybe yes you know all the concepts but will they flow, and can you keep pace. Again circular breath is his key, along with his immense knowledge ,like he said psychologist. For reference check out podcast radiolab, breathe episode, Black thought in in more than one of their episodes. Thanks
Cool! I will check it out. Thanks, Jon.
he is speaking from real life....
Love your choices on what to react to! King Los would be another great choice
Thanks, Luke. Someone sent me a clip of King Los doing a total off the dome freestyle. That guy is a beast. His brain works differently than most humans.
Yeah this performance is utterly jaw dropping. And the fact that theirs so much message within it, Its not simply a performance of wordplay and writting construct, all of that is their as well but its all on the foundation of a message. This is a guy of my generation, saying something to the world. both in the context of whats considered, battle rapping but used as a tool to deliver so many messages about himself his life our lives and our times. And nothing is used for the sake of exploitation. meaning, he;s not cursing and swearing for the sake of filler or shock value. Theres a meaning even in what few swears that he lets off. The skill of the Art form is evident, although its rap, it surely poetry as well. no deny. And again, im more than sure theres a ton of messages hes talked about that flew right over most peoples heads. Imagery that relate to other artists and their life's meaning and comparisons. you could seriously create a college course on this performance. If they did so with Madonna they surely can do so with this song, and in a way they did.. Harvard invited him to an interview about it all. ruclips.net/video/M8DxO-66jrA/видео.html and even this freestyle in this interview is INCREDIBLE...
Wow, you're right - the freestyle during this interview is mind-blowing! Thanks for sharing!
@@ABoomerReacts He's incredible, But knowing his life story takes it all to another level, how his mother died, truly horrific, and to come from it all to be where he is today is nothing but a blessing. lesser situations have seen to stronger men's downfall. And its to his life's experience why theirs so much underlying his words.
By the way, black thought is the best freestyler in the world in my opinion. Saw the roots live. He s absolutely relentless
People who can do really good off the dome freestyles amaze me. They're brains are wired differently than most of us.
@@ABoomerReacts yep. and add 30 years of practice that gives you black tought.
I think another aspect is a lot of the time they dont come with a beat. They get a beat played for them and they have to find the flow on it.
You're right, Joe. That would be difficult.
freestyle use to be all off the dome but now its raps that have not been recorded on a record or a combination of both, just what you read. but also it can be lyrics from several different songs put together
I can totally admire both of those art forms; I just don't want them to called the same thing.
@@ABoomerReacts well its pretty much decided now nothing to be done. more traditional off the dome freestyles can be seen on sway in the morning 5 fingers of death
@@kennycooper294 Thanks for the tip, Kenny. Someone else sent me a clip of King Los. He's a beast.
I also recommend Harry Mack, King Los, Juice WRLD, Royce da 5‘9”, Big L, & Supernatural.
I've seen Harry Mack on RUclips. He is truly off the dome. Are any of these others?
You are 100% correct this is not off the dome at all..... The only thing that makes it freestyle is that he seems to have it memorized like he can just do it right there on the spot in front of whoever..... And I agree that is kind of just like having a concert basically
Thank you for agreeing with me!
Free style is written material or off the dome that is heard one time and one time only. Not record ed on an album. Cd or mixed tape.
Thanks, Edward! I don't like that "or" part. Written and off the dome should not both be called freestyle.
I think Black Thoughts description of “freestyle” is pretty accurate on what people say is a freestyle. I get your point though: sub-genres or sub-definitions?
Here is a video to add to your list:
ruclips.net/video/3jIiIa4U0K8/видео.html
Tupac and Biggie freestyling together. I dont know if you’ll want to react to it:its only 2mins long. Great video though. Cool to see them just chillin.
I actually saw that video when I was doing my rivalry series. Wish they could have stayed that way.
@@ABoomerReacts
Oh, sorry. I don’t know if you mentioned that before: I might have missed it.
@@CallMeMrTibbs No, you're right. I never mentioned it. I saw it as I was doing research.
Royce 59 on La Leakers. Top tier.
Cy Hi the prince
And King los too!
Someone sent me a link to off the dome King Los. That's what I call freestyle
Your exactly correct. A completely written is not a freestyle!!
I know, right? "Completely written" is performing a new song you wrote.
Check out the movie/documentary “Freestyle” for more info.
Thanks, Dunori! Sounds good! I'll check it out.
Top of the dome and freestly are 2 different things even though people mix them a lot lately. Freestyle originally was rapping without song structure and it could be written but you just get out what you need to say out and top of the dome was improvisation right then and there like Harry Mack as you said but lately is all mixed up. The naming "Top of the done" is no longer used regularly everything is called Freestyle now.
Remember that freestyles and interviews on radio are pre recorded lately even if the show is live but the freestyle portion is pre recorded hence guys can have 50 takes to get the perfect one. I think in the older days everything was live.
I don't like that it is all called "freestyle" now. Could you talk to somebody about changing that? lol
@@ABoomerReacts lol I wish I had that power.
@@isaacsello6097 Me too